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• Detect possible health conditions when you have no symptoms. The sooner you detect a possible health condition, the earlier the treatment, and you can lower your chances of health complications (i.e., cholesterol testing, hepatitis testing).

• Detect specific conditions when there are no signs so that you can take immediate action (i.e., pregnancy testing).

You can purchase a home kit to test your cholesterol for $23.99. The kit is sold online and takes 12 minutes for the result. It is a great test if you have a family history of cardiovascular health disease.

The test only requires two to three drops of blood and you read the results like a thermometer. This test checks your HDL and total cholesterol.

In addition, the best way to secure the best test results is to do the following:

• Use only tests regulated by FDA.

• Read the label carefully.

• Follow the direction carefully.

• Keep good records of your testing.

• Call the 800 telephone number listed on your home-use test if you have any
questions.

• Contact your doctor if you feel you have false results.

• Don't change medications based on the home testing kit without consulting your doctor first.

You can purchase a glucose reader for as low as $20 at your local drug store. For better deals, some stores may ask you to purchase the item online but they generally offer free shipping for purchases over $50.

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.